The Equalizer (TV Series) The Defector (1985) User Reviews

The Equalizer: The Defector

[Scarecrow-88 · 7/10 · 17 December 2011]

McCall is called upon by a former member of his "Agency", ended after his retirement into civilian life, to protect his daughter, Irina (a young Melissa Leo, who is stunning). Felix (Joe Silver), a Soviet who had been feeding the US intelligence while working for his country's consulate in New York, comes across the number to a secret Swiss bank account and is deemed a threat to a KGB figurehead, Karl Radek (Jaroslav Stremien), because he has money stashed away, not wanting such knowledge told to the wrong people. It's the whole US-Soviet cold war theme where Control (Robert Lansing) doesn't want to get involved as any wrong move could lead to devastating consequences. An arrangement is made where Felix would "cross over", in effect signaling a defection from his country. When this is unsuccessful thanks to the screw-up of Jacob Stock (Robert Joy; CSI: NY), an Intelligence officer wanting to rise up the ranks, perhaps unamused with such an unflattering assignment as helping someone of such low stature as Felix, McCall will have to take it upon himself to keep Irina from the clutches of Radek, ultimately failing, but with help from an embarrassed Jacob who wants to make amends for his own blunder, maybe this situation can be salvaged. Meanwhile a bullied teenager , Larry (JD Roth), calls McCall for assistance. The leader of this pack of hyenas is Indio (Jorge Noa) who believes Larry snitched on his carrying drugs to the cops after he was busted in a school bathroom. McCall (Edward Woodward, never a false step in performance) will teach Larry self-defense. Two alternating stories, both with satisfying conclusions. Larry believes his father would not be proud of a son who tries to get out of fights through cowardice, and so McCall will talk to pops. Anyway, this episode offers another "machine guns blazing" rescue operation (not as exciting as the previous episode's) and McCall is able to outsmart/outwit his Russian adversary. Also, we see the typical "bullied kid gets even with bully" conclusion as McCall smiles at his pupil's bravery, giving a thumbs up, congratulating him on a job well done. Funny scene has Larry not blown away (in fact, he lets out a bodily sigh) by McCall's appearance, hoping for a more impressive avenger to help him in a moment of such need. Joy is about as expressive as a shop store mannequin.

You were expecting maybe Clint Eastwood?

[lastliberal · 7/10 · 15 November 2008]

This episode goes back to the double story.

In one, Edward Woodward is going up against the KGB station chief (Jaroslav Stremien) in New York. He had his informant (Joe Silver) of 15 years killed, and is now after the daughter (Melissa Leo).

Robert Joy (Dr. Sid Hammerback in "CSI: NY, AVPR: Aliens vs Predator - Requiem) screws up and has to redeem himself with Woodward. Not an exciting scene, but effective.

In the second job, Woodward is helping a teen (J.D. Roth) being bullied by thugs (Jorge Noa). He helps the boy stand up for himself.

Fair episode, but little excitement.

Minus 2 stars for the sound track

[rurick · 7/10 · 21 February 2021]

The music is ok - BUT LOUD. It never even starts during dialogue, but justs keeps pounding. Reminds me of the Italian sound engineers in the 60's. Had to keep playing with the volume control.